Posted by Rob PM on July 12, 2003 at 18:02:49:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Rob PM - Identify this Old Conn? posted by Alex C on July 12, 2003 at 15:14:57:
We'll have to wait for dimensions to be sure.
If by 36J you mean the 34J/36J Orchestra Grand, I agree with you, this is not that bass. That 36J/34J (CC/BBb) has a straight leadpipe and a different wrap on the 3rd valve branch tubing.
The 80J series were bell front "Wonderphone" basses, in four valves low pitch the comparable model would be an 82J.
Catalog 'C' on page 37 describes the "Monster" BBb basses. The illustration is of a front action, three valve horn-which would be 28J in low pitch and 29J in high pitch. That horn has the tuning slide in the leadpipe, as does the pictured horn. The first valve branch looks pretty similar, but the photo looks more open than the illustration. Likewise, the second valve branch looks similar. The third valve branch looks different as it enters and leaves the valve, but has the distinctive loop at the top that all the front action Conns of that era EXCEPT the 34J/36J have. But, of course a three valve valve section and a four valve valve section may look different.
So, you may be right, but I still think it is more likely than not a 32J of the 28/29J, 32/33J series.